With so many different flavors, fresh herbs, flowers, crystals, seeds or essential oils, there are endless possibilities for not only using them as an ingredient but also to garnish your altar, flavoring your moon bath or smudging mixture. As we at The Goddess Collective only have started to discover the power of natural magic and healing throug herbs, flowers or essential oils, we wanted to share with you here everything we know so far about their benefits. Which is why this divine inspirations entry will be updated regularly.
Aloe Vera
The ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the plant of immortality, as it is known for repairing and replenishing the skin. Furthermore aloe vera is commonly used to treat sunburns but is also effective at moisturizing, healing acne, and softening the effects of aging.
Chamomile
This flower comes with powerful anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. The top health benefits of a chamomile tincture include the ability to protect the skin, lower stress levels, regulate sleep, and soothe menstrual cramps. It also boosts the immune system, treats digestive issues, and reduces belly bloating, among others.
Cypress
The oil of cypress has also been used for centuries by ancient cultures, as it is mood uplifting, refreshing and balancing to the nervous system. In addition to its restorative properties, cypress is also purifying, supports easeful breathing and may help with the reduction of cellulite.
Frankincense Essential Oil
A sacred and healing oil historically utilized for spiritual purposes. Frankincense is also well known for reducing inflammation and melting away anxieties. It is a powerful oil for improving skin elasticity and decreasing the appearance of scars.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is actually a liquid plant wax that has been used by Native Americans for treating sores, wounds and bruises for centuries. Because jojoba (pronounced hoh-hoh-bah) is a wax, not an oil, it is a non-comedogenic emollient, meaning it doesn’t clog pores nor feels greasy as it soothes and moisturizes the skin. This desert wax helps the production of the acid mantle, balancing the pH that protects skin from harmful bacteria. Jojoba is high in vitamins and minerals that support healthy, healed and youthful skin such as Vitamin E, B-complex, zinc, copper, selenium, chromium and high levels of iodine.
Lavender
It's properties are immensely restorative for our bodies. It helps lower cortisol levels and bring our minds peace.
Lavender Essential Oil
As a oil, lavender's cooling, relaxing, and uplifting effects have been cherished throughout the world for thousands of years. Lavender oil is revered in particular in folk traditions for its profound ability to cool an overheated body. When used regularly, it reduces feelings of anger, agitation and insecurity.
Lemon Balm
This is an excellent herb to rejuvenate your nervous system. Furthernore, lemon balm has many medicinal properties from being anti-viral, soothing digestive symptoms, and reducing stress and calming anxiety. It also relieves restlessness in children and helps to bring sleep to little ones who are overexerted.
Marula Oil
Marula oil comes from the nut of the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to Africa and is quite hardy and prolific. The oil, which has a nutty, rich aroma, is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as tocopherols, vitamin C, flavonoids, sterols, and other antioxidants. It is excellent for treating chronic inflammation, acne, wrinkles, premature aging, high stress, blemishes, sunburn, and dry skin. Its high concentration of antioxidants and essential fatty acids like omegas - 6 and - 9 protect your skin from distress caused by environmental factors such as sun, wind and pollution, which means it helps to prevent premature aging.
Moringa Seed Oil
Moringa seed oil is derived from the vitamin and nutrient-dense tropical moringa plant. Revered in Ayurveda, every part of this plant — from seeds, flowers, root to its bark— boasts numerous phytonutrients, amino acids, and high-value minerals that support its healing properties. Known for its extremely high antioxidant content, moringa is treasured for its ability to prevent oxidative damage linked to aging and counter the effects of free radicals. The vitamin C and deep moisturizing properties of the fatty acid content make it perfect for boosting collagen, helping to reduce fine lines, dark spots and sagging skin. Moringa oil also has plant hormones called cytokinins that help promote cellular growth and prevent destruction of skin tissues.
Neroli Blossom Essential Oil
This is one of the best essential oils for all skin types. Neroli blossom essential oil is extremely balancing and has been known to lower cortisol levels. Great for blemishes and soothing inflamed, dry skin.
Palo Santo
Palo santo holy wood is a tree that inhabits Central and South America. The tree belongs to the same family as frankincense and myrrh. It is widely used in folk medicine by indigenous shaman to cure many diseases; this is the reason why the Spanish settlers called the tree Santo. The mystical and sacred properties of palo santo are created through an alchemical process which begins as soon as the tree or branch dies only by natural causes. Then, it has to lay down for 10 more years before it is processed otherwise its medicinal, aromatic and healing properties aren't developed.
Pearl Powder
A potent antioxidant, boosting the body's own enzymes and reducing oxidation. Pearl also contains polysaccharides, 17 amino acids, minerals and proteins, including conchioline, which helps replenish and rebuild the skin’s natural collagen.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Harvested from the seeds of rose bushes, rosehip seed oil is full of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It is known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines.
Sandalwood Oil
The oil of sandalwood is an ancient and sacred scent that is beneficial for calming and clearing the mind, which is why it has been used in ceremonies and meditation for centuries, particularly in India. A deeply arousing and sensual oil, sandalwood is an aphrodisiac that invites us to connect more deeply with ourselves and those around us. With its high antioxidant content, it also helps prevent damage from environmental toxins and slows aging.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Nutrient-rich, anti inflammatory and yellow-orange, this oil can revive your skin cells. Sea buckthorn berries are believed to have immune-boosting and heart-protective properties and are considered a good plant source of vitamin C and E, and omega-3 oils. The orange color comes from beta carotene rich in antioxidants, amino acids and rare omega 7.
Skullcap
Another herb in the mint family that is an amazing nervine. It is full of antioxidants and is a gentle detoxifer for your body. Skullcap can bring balance to the hormones in your body, as it stimulates the release of endorphins and generally balances your mood. If you are feeling worked up and constantly tense, then perhaps this herb might be for you.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Derived from the radiant sunflower plant, this seed oil is a light yet super hydrating oil that is excellent for all constitutions and skin types. Sunflower seed oil is high in omega-6 (linoleic) fatty acid, which helps decrease redness and inflammation of the skin, and enhances the development of new skin cells. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, Sunflower oil is effective for addressing skincare issues like acne, eczema and dermatitis. This versatile oil glides smoothly on and absorbs easily into the skin, creating a gentle protective barrier without leaving any oily build-up. Its emollient properties help remove dead cells and impurities, leaving behind smooth, moisturized and glowing skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is crucial in the prevention of damage to sensitive skin cells by the sun's ultraviolet light because of its powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that vitamin E may also prevent scarring, smooth the appearance of existing wrinkles and generally improve the appearance and health of the skin.
Wheatgerm Oil
Readily absorbed by your skin, wheatgerm oil is an effective moisturizer and an appropriate topical treatment. When applied, it delivers a healthy infusion of vitamin A, vitamin D, B vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids. These nutrients not only moisturize and heal dry or cracked skin, they also help prevent scarring. In particular, wheat-germ oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which helps reduce skin damage, fight free radicals, support healthy collagen formation and maintain even skin tone.
